Keyshawn Davis Reacts to Ryan Garcia’s Title Win, Predicts Outcome of Shakur Stevenson Fight

The welterweight division has a new champion — and not everyone is convinced his reign will be long.

Ryan Garcia captured the WBC welterweight title on Saturday night with a commanding victory over Mario Barrios, but fellow contender Keyshawn Davis believes the newly crowned champion may soon face a harsh reality check.

Garcia’s triumph marked a career milestone. After two previous attempts at world honors fell short, the Californian finally seized gold at his third opportunity, producing one of the most disciplined performances of his career. Dropping Barrios early, Garcia controlled the tempo from the opening bell and cruised to a unanimous decision. Judge David Sutherland’s 120-107 scorecard — awarding Garcia every round — underscored the one-sided nature of the contest.

For Garcia, long marketed as boxing’s brash “King Ry,” the victory was both validation and redemption.

A Statement Performance

Against a durable and experienced opponent in Barrios, Garcia showcased patience often absent in earlier bouts. Rather than relying solely on speed and power, he dictated distance, picked his moments, and avoided unnecessary exchanges.

The result was a performance that silenced many critics who had questioned his ring IQ and mental resilience after previous setbacks.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Davis — himself a former WBO lightweight champion — offered measured praise despite his personal ties to one of Garcia’s potential future opponents.

“I think that it was an amazing performance, so shoutout to Ryan, you a world champ,” Davis said.

Coming from a fighter known for blunt assessments, the compliment carried weight.

What Comes Next?

If Garcia’s victory reshaped the welterweight landscape, his post-fight callout may have stirred it even further.

Instead of targeting an immediate rematch with Devin Haney, settling unfinished business with Rolando Romero, or pursuing a high-profile clash with Conor Benn, Garcia turned his attention to Shakur Stevenson.

Stevenson, a former featherweight champion who recently enhanced his pound-for-pound standing with a victory over Teofimo Lopez, has long been viewed as one of boxing’s most technically gifted operators. Calm, calculated and defensively masterful, the Newark native presents a stylistic puzzle few have solved.

Davis, who shares a close friendship with Stevenson, did not hesitate when asked about the potential showdown.

“I think that he fights Shakur Stevenson [next] and I think that he gets his a** whooped.”

It was a prediction delivered without ambiguity.

Catchweight Complications

While Stevenson has publicly welcomed the bout — even signaling a willingness to forgo a rehydration clause — negotiations may hinge on weight.

Rather than meeting at the full welterweight limit of 147 pounds, Stevenson has reportedly insisted the contest take place at a 144-pound catchweight. The three-pound difference may seem minor to casual observers, but in elite boxing, such margins can influence preparation, conditioning and performance.

Garcia, who now holds the WBC strap at welterweight, would need to decide whether to concede ground on the scales to secure what would undoubtedly be one of the sport’s marquee matchups.

A Division on Edge

Garcia’s victory has injected fresh intrigue into a welterweight division hungry for defining clashes. With multiple elite names circling — from established champions to ambitious challengers — the path forward offers no shortage of spectacle.

For now, Garcia stands at the summit, his confidence buoyed by a dominant championship display. But as Davis’ comments suggest, admiration does not equal belief.

In boxing, momentum can shift as quickly as a counterpunch.

And if Garcia does step into the ring with Stevenson next, the real test of his reign may only just be beginning.